Conserving Through Research
Leaping dolphins, Byron Bay Photo (c) DRA 2010
We’re now Dolphin Research Australia!
Our successes over the last few years have led to some exciting changes!! The evolution has led us to change our name to Dolphin Research Australia (formerly Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project). These changes are exciting, so stay tuned for some big developments over the next year!!!
Killer Whale (c) E. Hawkins
A 3-year-old member of an endangered orca population in the Pacific North West found dead on a Washington State beach recently was blown up, according to Ken Balcomb, director of the locally-based Center for Whale Research.
The body of Sooke, was found on the beach on February 11th 2012, just days after the Canadian Navy held training exercises in nearby waters.
Experts performing an autopsy on Sooke’s carcass say that it will be at least a month before they are ready to release any firm conclusions on the cause of death but Balcomb, who examined the signs of trauma on Sooke’s carcass, has told the local San Juan Journal: “It didn’t die of disease or starvation. Clearly the animal was blown up.”
At the time of the naval exercises, an extensive network of hydrophones (monitoring sound underwater) in the area picked up a series of four loud explosions or implosions that remain unexplained.
Balcomb noted that the both the US and Canadian Navy conduct training exercises in a federally sanctioned bombing range located nearby in the Pacific Ocean.
Sooke was one of only three surviving females born to this threatened pod in 10 years and this population now numbers just 86 animals.
From: www.wdcs.com Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society
2012-03-19
Source: San Juan Journal
What better way to show a loved one you care by making them a dolphin guardian this Christmas!
The SCU Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project has some beautiful dolphins up for adoption. They are ambassadors for their species and the marine environment and they are in need of protection now more than ever!
For only $55 you can become a dolphin guardian. Go to our Dolphin Profiles page and choose your dolphin.
Adopt-A-Dolphin for yourself or a loved one and you could win some great prizes! Books, DVDs and much more are up for grabs and you could be the lucky one!
Common Dolphins leaping (c) E. Hawkins
The Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project team have been busy in the field in South East Queensland. This season has had some great weather and the team of sighted Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, common dolphins and of course, bottlenose dolphins. The last few surveys have seen a number of newborn common dolphins in groups resting off the Tweed/Kirra Beaches and also off the Southport Seaway. It has been very interesting for the team to study these species which are still a big mystery. There’s also been a couple of very special encounters with the migrating humpback whales that have greeted the research vessel during the surveys. The research team will be out in the field until October 2011 in South East Queensland and are hoping to see some more of the resident bottlenose which haven’t yet been sighted again this season in Moreton Bay.
Snubfin dolphins found dead north of Townsville, Qld
Human interference has been linked to multiple deaths of dolphins in recent months in Australia. In December two neonate bottlenose dolphin calves were found to have fatal injuries from human interference. One was found washed up on the Portsea Back Beach in Victoria, suffering a major trauma to its skull and jaw including a broken mandible. Local tour operators informed the ABC that they believe jet skiers have intentionally targeted dolphins in the area. Seven News reported similar claims of jet skiers jumping over dolphins in Port Phillip Bay. However the Department of Sustainability & Environment are hoping that the death of the two-month old calf was not deliberate but an accident.
In December 2010, a neonate bottlenose dolphin calf was found floating off Surfers Paradise, Queensland. The calf was found by lifesavers and had multiple knife wounds across its body.
These disturbing incidents precede the disturbing deaths of two dolphins in the central and northern Queensland regions. Two snubfin dolphins were found tied and weighed down to a mangrove just north of Townsville in June. This was in an apparent attempt to conceal the dolphins after being killed in fishing nets. These deaths are of great concern for the survival of the threatened snubfin dolphins (featured in our Dolphin Echo fact file in winter 2010).
If anyone sees a stranded or injured dolphin, please contact your local authorities immediately.
Sources: Sunday Mail, ABC News
Common Dolphins (Photo by DEAP)
Throughout the world, the levels of plastic debris are increasing dramatically. Recent research into the levels of plastic ingestion in Fransiscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) from Argentina demonstrate the levels of exposure coastal dolphins have to these potentially fatal sources of pollution. Researchers found that of the 106 Franciscana dolphins studied, 28% had plastic debris in their stomach. The percentage of plastic debris was higher in estuarine compared to marine environments. The main sources of debris found were cellophane, bags, and bands. Dolphins that were recently weaned also had the largest amount of plastic in their stomachs. This study illustrates how vulnerable dolphins and their prey are to pollution from plastic debris.
Each one of us, no matter where in the world you are, can make a difference by picking up plastic debris and litter and putting it in the bin!
Source: Denuncio, P., Bastida, R., Dassis, M., Giardino, G., Gerpe, M., & Rodriguez, D. (2011) Plastic ingestion in Franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei, from Argentina, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62, 1836-1841
Humpback Whale Fluke by E. Hawkins (c) 2010
Whale Fest 2011 is set to take off with a bang in celebration of the return of the humpback whales and their local cousins, the dolphins. Whale Fest 2011 will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the northern NSW region as well as integrating science, conservation, education and art into one event in celebration of the whales returning to our seas on their annual migration.
WhaleFest 2011 will take place on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm until late at Durrumbul Hall, Mullumbimby, and will feature three music stages, market stalls, workshops, food stalls, bonfires, a chai tent, fire twirling, a chill out area, circus acts and movie screenings.
This years line up includes: Darky Roots; Cheap Fakes; Pacha Mama; Floating Bridges; Loren and the Grow your Owns; Mr. Boinkin and the Mank; The Mick McCombe Band; M. Jack Bee and friends; Garrett Kano and the Mitch Wallace Quartet.
The Whale Fest 2011 is a major fundraising event for SCU’s Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project and is also launching the new Positive Change for Marine Life organisation. Tickets are $20 and available from www.greentix.com.
Come along and support the organisations that aim to conserve and protect our seas!!
Dolphin in Byron Bay
Our Winter 2011 dolphin research season in Byron Bay has just begun. Our field team are rugged up and ready for this exciting season. With a quiet start on Sunday and some cold rain on Monday, today was a great sunny day with lots of dolphins feeding and milling around Cape Byron. This season will also welcome the humpback whales as they commence their annual migration north to the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. We are hoping for some great weather to continue the dolphin season and learn more about our local dolphins of Byron Bay.
Photo (c) E. Hawkins 2010
Our Gold Coast Dolphin Project is in its 3rd week and is making some great progress. Weather hasn’t been the greatest in past weeks, however we have still made many sightings and identifications of dolphins AND just yesterday spotted our very first Sousa (humpback dolphin)!!! Liz managed to sneak a quick dorsal fin shot in before he made a run for the coast.
This week the weather has been kind to us allowing us to venture offshore where we have discovered to what looks like the majority of Gold Coast resident bottlenose dolphins. On Friday we also came across a large group of common dolphins that just wanted to interact and bow ride with the boat giving us some entertainment. We also now have some great underwater footage of both the common and the bottlenose dolphins.
We have come across a huge array of different wildlife on our travels including a lace monitor swimming through a very busy channel near Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island, several Agile wallabies snack foraging and 2 feeding dugongs up in Caniapa Channel off North Stradbroke Island.
All this and it’s only the start of the dolphin field season in the Gold Coast, Australia! Stay tuned for more updates as they come!!
Don’t forget people the Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project is still looking for an intern for the Gold coast Project from January 16th until the end of February 2011. If you are interested please contact us at info@dolphinresearchaustralia.com
White Sided Dolphin, Japan Photo (c) Karl Goodsell 2010
Taiji dolphin drive fishery update Each year in Japan from September to April fisherman round up and slaughter thousands of dolphins and small whales under a veil of secrecy and false pretences. In a small fishing town called Taiji, entire schools of dolphins are driven into a cove protected from the public eye and killed or sold. After welcomed media surrounding the movie ‘The Cove’ many people may now be aware of the atrocities involved in the Taiji dolphin drive fishery, which is the largest dolphin kill in the world. What is even more disturbing is that many members of the international captive dolphin industry use the Taiji dolphin drive to select dolphins to be removed into captive dolphin shows and dolphin swim programs! This year reports have come in that live dolphins captured in the Taiji dolphin drive sold for $154,000 per dolphin, and this will continue as long as these businesses are supported.
The Japanese government and fisherman hide behind words such as “food culture” and “tradition” but the truth is under 30 people and 13 boats take part in the fishery in a region with other fishery resources. The inaction to revoke permits and phase out the fishery has led new beliefs that the Japanese Government is issuing permits for the killing of dolphins as pest control! Reports on savejapandolphns.org quoted a fisherman in Taiji admitting that they “don’t kill the dolphins primarily for their meat. We kill them as a form of pest control,” in an absurd hope that killing the competition will preserve the ocean’s fish for themselves. What’s more very few people actually eat dolphin meat in Japan, which is filled with deadly levels of mercury and PCBs, so the product is often sold as counterfeit whale meat in the cities. International pressure has forced the fishery to become more discrete which in turn make it harder to get their job done as efficiently.
There are many organisations with people based in Taiji for the period of the hunt whom risk jail, deportation and fines, but are determined to uncover the truth behind this highly unsustainable fishery. Our own DEAP member and Positive Change for Taiji volunteer Karl Goodsell is heading over to Taiji to help with the campaign to end the slaughter. It is only through increased international pressure and public awareness that the dolphin drive fisheries can be stopped. For more information and news about Taiji join the Positive Change for Taiji Facebook Group
Humpback Whale Fluke by E. Hawkins (c) 2010
Tourist accidentally reveals new insight into humpback biology
In the past decades researchers have discovered a lot about the secret life of humpback whales and their migration. This species is known to travel incredible distances from south to north and back (for example from Antarctica to the warmer waters of eastern Australia and Fiji) along many coastlines in the world.
Researchers gained this information by the use of a database in which they are able to identify the different whales. Identification of humpback whales is done by matching photos of their tail fluke, which all have a very distinct color pattern. Of course it is way too expensive to follow a whale along all of its migration. However, by sharing information and photos between different countries, researchers know which whale goes where during the migrations.
When a Norwegian tourist made a nice picture of a humpback whale during his holiday in Madagascar in 2001, he never expected to contribute to a very important research discovery. He recently posted the photo on flickr (a photo sharing website). A researcher was astonished to find that the whale on the picture of the tourist was the same animal that was photographed in Brazil in 1999 for research purpose. This is the first known migration of a humpback whale from west to east and also the longest migration of any mammal ever recorded! The female humpback whale traveled over 9800km, probably in search of a mate. Humpback whale females are known to make long migrations, but until now it was thought that mostly males would swim greater distances.
The fact that whales might travel from west to east could also influence their genetic profile. Researchers used to think that there were a small number of isolated breeding stocks, but this female definitely stirs up this theory. Of course, more sightings are necessary to gain knowledge about this ‘typical’ behavior. Hopefully this Norwegian tourist sets an example that you don’t need to be an expert to still be able to contribute to research.
Have you seen a dolphin? Even better, did you capture a photo of a dolphin’s dorsal fin between Moreton Bay and Coffs Harbour, Australia? The Dolphin Ecology and Acoustics Project are being helped by the community who are reporting their dolphin sightings.
Report your sightings and help protect Australia’s dolphin populations! You can find all the information that you need on the website (www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com) under the headings ‘report a dolphin sighting’.
Scallop and Tess 2005
We have 6 beautiful and very special dolphins that are available for adoption with all funds raised helping to conserve and protect Australia’s dolphin populations. Each dolphin has it’s own special characteristics and are part of the wild Byron Bay resident population. A dolphin adoption is a unique gift for a loved one who can learn more about each dolphin with the researchers. All dolphin guardians will receive an exclusive gift pack only available to those who adopt-a-dolphin. Follow the links and find out how you can give a gift that keeps on giving : About Adolphin-A-Dolphin
Dolphin Dorsal Fins, Byron Bay, Australia
The next Dolphin Sighting Network workshop will be held at the Ramada Hotel in Ballina, 30th September 2010 from 6pm- 8pm. Come and learn all about dolphin ecology, their biology & how you can help the research team learn more about Australia’s dolphin populations. By coming along to one of our workshops you will become a certified Network member. Just follow the links to find out more about our Dolphin Sighting Network! Bookings are essential for the workshop. Bookings can be made by downloading our booking form or sending through an email to us at info@dolphinresearchaustralia.com.
Bottlenose Dolphins Socialising (c) E. Hawkins 2010
The DEAP team has been awarded a $71,000 national competitive grant from the Australian Marine Mammal Centre to study dolphins in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads region.
The grant will fund research that will investigate the abundance and habitat preferences of coastal dolphins from Jumpinpin near South Stradbroke Island to the Tweed river mouth.
Dr Liz Hawkins said the research was the first of its kind in the region.
“Very little is known about the dolphin populations on the Gold Coast and Tweed, yet it’s a region of particular interest because the animals are living in a diverse environment,” said Dr Hawkins.
“The research will gather data on how many dolphins there are and where they are, so we can build up a better picture of their habitat preferences and behaviour in the area.
“As well as bottlenosed dolphins, we are particularly interested in the threatened indo-pacific humpback dolphin because the Gold Coast is the southern limit of the known range of this tropical and sub-tropical species.
The researchers, who will begin the first of many boat surveys at the start of the summer, will collect photos of dorsal fins to enable individual dolphins to be identified and their movements and behaviour recorded.
It is hoped the community will play an essential role in the research by reporting dolphin sightings and sending photos capturing dolphin dorsal fins to help build up a database of information. Anyone can report sightings of dolphins via our Dolphin Sighting Network.
Bottlenose Dolphins & Kayaks, Byron Bay
Come and learn all about dolphin biology and ecology at our upcoming Dolphin Sighting Network Workshop, 6th August 2010 at the Gecko House, Currumbin, Qld. The workshop covers all sorts of topics including how dolphins feed, how they recognise each other, how you can identify different species and how you can become part of the research by reporting your dolphins sightings. It is a special workshop presented by DEAP researchers and the only workshop of its kind in Australia! You can be part of understanding the world of dolphins! Check out the Dolphin Sighting Network information page for more information!
Dolphin Dorsal Fins, Byron Bay, Australia
The Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project Winter 2010 field season has now come to an end. We had some great weather along the way, with some of the clearest visibility we’ve seen all year. Lots of dolphins as always and also lots of feeding with lots of prey species migrating along the coast. We were also blessed with many humpback whales who the dolphins would often associate with and travel along side as the whales headed north to their winter breeding and birthing grounds. Thanks to all the volunteers who are now recovering from the chilly days up the top of the Cape Byron Lighthouse and kayak surveys! The next dolphin project field season is scheduled for summer 2011.
The Gulf of Mexico oil leak continues to spill out over 4 million litres (higher end estimate) of oil each day and is one of the worst that has occurred on Earth. It began over 70 days ago and now stretches along 190km of coastline. The spill threatens the very core of the natural ecosystems in the area and along with it, the species that call it home.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to over 19 species of cetaceans including; bottlenose dolphin, beaked whales, sperm whales and the highly endangered north Atlantic right whale. Oil spills can have both direct and indirect effects on cetaceans, from breathing in the highly toxic vapour of the oil to loss of prey stocks.
The fumes that arise from an oil spill can be so powerful that they can make fully grown whales unconscious, which causes them to drown. Oil spills can also taint the prey species causing detriment to their diets and making their chances of raising healthy calves extremely low.
The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has had dire implications for the entire ecology of the region. Up to 1,400 to 1,600 sperm whales live year-round in the Gulf and are considered extremely vulnerable due to their relatively small population size. All sperm whales are already endangered in the U.S. and the loss of a handful of whales each year would ultimately affect population numbers.
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill surpasses the devastating 1991 Alaskan Exxon Valdez which caused a 40% decrease in the resident killer whale population. Over 20 years later, the animals and the ecosystem affected by the Exxon Valdez spill has not yet recovered.
The major impacts of the continuing Gulf of Mexico spill are yet to be determined, but the impacts from the region will last for decades.
To look at the oil spill from the air and witness the extent of the spill follow the link: http://www.youtube.com/v/pxDf-KkMCKQ&hl=es_ES&fs=1&
Sperm Whale by Franco Banfi (Sourced from National Museum of Natural History’s Natures Best Photography, Ocean Views
A recent paper published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin reports on the results of the cause of death of two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded in 2008 along the coast of California. The cause of death was a result of the ingestion of large amounts of fishing net scraps, rope and other plastic debris that was found in their stomachs. One animal had a ruptured stomach, and the other was emaciated. Gastric impaction was suspected as the cause of both deaths with over 134 different types of nets found in these animals varying from 10cm² to over 16m². The material was ingested from the surface as debris.
This case shows how the estimated 7 billion tones of rubbish that is entering the world’s oceans every year are impacting marine life. The stranding and subsequent deaths of the two male sperm whales are a reminder of the devastating effects that marine debris has on our oceanic environment.
Full article: Jacobsen, J. K., Massey, L., Gulland, F. (2010) Fatal ingestion of floating net debris by two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Marine Pollution Bulletin 60: 765-767.
Bottlenose Dolphins & Kayaks, Byron Bay
Our winter 2010 field season in Byron Bay is just about to begin. The season will go for three weeks from Monday 14th June to Monday 5th July. We are now recruiting volunteers and interns who would like to be part of this season. We usually have great weather this time of year and there’s pleanty to see with lots of dolphins passing through and whales as well! If you are interested in partipating, please send us an e-mail at info@dolphinresearchaustralia.com
TO THE SEA
A DOLPHIN ECOLOGY AND ACOUSTICS PROJECT SPECIAL EVENT.
To celebrate the launch of DEAP’s two newest programs ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ and ‘The Dolphin Sighting Network’ we’re throwing ourselves a little fundraiser. And what better way to do so than through an ode to the seaside represented in the artworks and photographs donated by some of the areas best talent.
So come help out our little dolphin friends and feast your eyes upon a sea of lovely artworks and photos, all up for sale with all proceeds going toward DEAP research and not for profit. Oh, and while you’re at it why not sip on a cold one donated by Bryon Bay Premium Brewery and munch on some tasty treats provided by Byron Bay Organic Kitchen. Hang around for guest Speaker Dailan Pugh who will be auctioning off a few special pieces, including a stunning artwork by feature artist Terezka Beck.
Artists and photographers include:
Terezka Beck
Tim Carroll
Ellie Connan
Harry Daily
John D’errey
Jesse Dolman
Will Duncan
Charlie Gordon
Koby Hagenfelds
Amelia Hallam
Jonno Howell
Jeff Levingston
Stuart Mcconaghy
James Mclean
Josh Overbye
Craig Parry
Christie Rigby
Beck Rocchi
Alasdair Shurman
Mark Trzopek
In Transit - 2, Oil on canvas by Terezka Beck
